Netflix has a set of guidelines for anyone creating an original production for their service. It ensures that when viewers go and watch a Netflix Original they will always expect and receive top-notch image quality.
For better and worse this means that getting that Netflix Approved badge is a point of honor for brands that make cameras and an appealing selling point for those looking for their next cinema rig.
Just because Netflix may be producing some big-budget projects that doesn’t mean all the Netflix Approved cameras are unaffordable. Camera Zone has put together a list of five that are on Netflix’s list and remain in the attainable range for your everyday independent filmmaker.
1. Panasonic Lumix BGH1: $1,998
The most affordable Netflix Approved camera is a bit of an odd one – the Panasonic Lumix BGH1. Using the same tech as in the GH5S and featuring a more cinema-friendly box design you’ll find this camera is easy to use and transport.
Image Credit: Panasonic
Those camera specs revolve around a 10.2MP 4/3” CMOS sensor with dual native ISO and 13 stops of dynamic range. It can record in up to DCI 4K 60p in 10-bit using the V-Log L gamma profile to maximize dynamic range. The box design also helps by using active cooling to enable unlimited recording.
Box cameras are great for installations or use on a jib and it even has support for power over Ethernet (PoE+) and remote control for these types of use cases. Tons of professional outputs, such as SDI and timecode, are also available.
It is a great camera for this price point.
2. Sony FX3: $3,899
Taking its spot as the smallest in Sony’s Cinema Line, the FX3 is a great option for solo shooters looking for that cinematic image.
The reason is that it is the most affordable full-frame option on this list and is rated to capture 15+ stops of dynamic range. The 12MP CMOS sensor has also been known to be outstanding in low-light conditions.
Image Credit: Sony
This model is when Sony brought the S-Cinetone profile down to their more consumer camera options. It is very capable with 4K up to 120p in 10-bit 4:2:2 using full pixel readout. Advanced autofocus certainly helps and it includes real-time tracking, including Eye AF.
Audio is very capable since it comes with a removable XLR handle that also makes the camera a lot easier to operate. A built-in fan will keep things cool for extended shoot days. A very nice tool for handheld shooters is the 5-axis in-body image stabilization which will smooth out your footage.
3. Canon EOS C70: $5,499
We are just now getting into more serious cinema camera designs with the Canon EOS C70. When it comes to video quality you can get outstanding images out of cheaper, smaller mirrorless models.
However, once you start working and demanding a bit more from the operational side of things you’ll find that cinema camera designs can be almost as important as having the right lens.
Image Credit: Canon
It was the first Canon cinema option to use the RF mount and it features a design that is closer to a DSLR or mirrorless camera that still packs in plenty of cinema camera features. That size is very appealing though as it only weighs 2.6 lb and can easily go on a gimbal.
The C70 features a Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) sensor that’ll do 4K up to 120 fps. That sensor can realize up to 16 stops and record in 10-bit 4:2:2 internally to SD cards. Having built-in ND filters is a huge upgrade from the other two cameras we have mentioned already.
4. Sony FX6: $5,999
The FX6 is Sony’s compact take on the traditional cinema camera form factor. It actually uses the same sensor as the FX3, but with some slightly tweaked resolutions and options for getting a bit more out of it.
An example is that the FX6’s 10.2MP full-frame sensor will be able to record up to 120 fps and use the more cinematic DCI 4K resolution.
Image Credit: Sony
Face and Eye AF are present on the FX6 for fast, accurate focus tracking. Also, the electronic variable ND and dual native ISO make it easy to shoot in a wide range of conditions without any additional accessories.
It’s a very nice camera option if you want something compact yet fully featured.
5. RED KOMODO: $5,999
Last up in the RED KOMODO. This is a surprisingly affordable cinema camera from RED and comes with some unique features that separate it from the rest of the pack.
Image Credit: RED
It is ultra-compact and can record in 6K raw internally at up to 60 fps with over 16 stops of dynamic range. It also uses the Canon RF mount which can make use of adapters to use tons of other lenses and it has a small, box shape that is very customizable.
Obviously, shooting REDCODE RAW is a huge benefit and gives maximum flexibility in post. The camera uses a Super 35mm sensor with a global shutter – a rarity these days that eliminates rolling shutter artifacts.
What more is there to say? It’s a RED that an indie filmmaker can afford.
[source: Camera Zone]
Order Links:
- Panasonic Lumix BGH1 Box Cinema Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony FX3 Cinema Line Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Canon EOS C70 Cinema Camera (B&H, Amazon)
- Sony FX6 Cinema Line Camera (B&H)
- RED KOMODO 6K Cinema Camera (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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